Rosemary Tyson

It is surprising just how many motivational speakers lack sensitivity to their surroundings. They fail to notice that they are already losing the audience because they are so busy basking in the “attention” and staying focused on their speech. Some people can only focus on one thing at a time after all. These speakers usually lack emotional quotient (EQ) to even throw attention to what’s happening in front of them.

What’s more surprising is that because the top motivational speakers are the ones who are on top of their organizations or at the peak of their professions, many of them have also developed egos and overconfidence that make them believe that failure and ineffectiveness are impossible for speakers.

Nevertheless, many speakers know exactly what happens in the crowd. They know that the audience is already slipping away but choose not to pay any attention to it so as to save their concentration and avoid feeling embarrassed while speaking.

This can be a good thing and a bad thing. It’s a good thing if they use this strategy to stay focused on the important matter, which is to deliver the speech as effective as they can for those who are still listening intently. On the other hand, it is a bad thing if they make a habit out of ignoring their audience when they start to slip away because it means that they try to get it over with instead of try to win them back. This type of motivational speaker is considered a speaker for the few.

A motivational speaker shouldn’t be like that because his job is not merely to deliver an inspiring speech but also to make sure that everyone in the audience actually pays attention. A speaker needs to do this if he wants to save his face and reputation, as well as that of the organizers.

What a motivational speaker needs is EQ and sensitivity. Or, why not start by taking notice of the signs that say the audience is already slipping away.

1.Noise

When the venue becomes noisier because of whispers and snorts in unison, it’s a sign that the members of the audience are already getting bored or losing interest on the topic. They are doing other things to pass time.

There are some techniques that may help you gain back their attention. You can speak louder to overcome the noise. It’s a little harsh, but they will understand what you are trying to do. You can also use transitional phrases to imply that something interesting and important is about to come. Another way is to make a breather, like an anecdote, joke, or multimedia presentation.

2.People chatting with one another

Two people chatting with one another do not necessarily create noise, but they can be obvious from where the motivational speaker stands.

People chat with one another due to boredom or lack of interest. However, it’s also possible that they are having an exchange of opinions in response to your statements. They may also be disagreeing with you.

When you see them chat, you can do the same with number one but also focus your attention towards their direction. They won’t risk getting embarrassed so they will look and listen to you intently once again.

3.Frowning and shaking of head

How can these signs be any more obvious? Surprisingly though, many rookie motivational speakers pay little attention to the facial expressions of their audience, sometimes for a good reason. Some speakers are easily distracted with the audience’s expressions, especially when they indicate disagreement. However, it’s important to take notice because they tell you that there is something wrong.

Again, this can be a sign of boredom, lack of interest, or disagreement. Usually, though, it’s a sign that your statement is not clear enough. Hence, go back to your statement, expound on it, and give more examples or illustrations.